FAQ: Coronavirus, UK theatres, and the West End

Q: Will West End theatres be closed due to coronavirus?

UPDATED (17 March 2020): Most of the West End and SOLT/UK theatres have now closed until further notice. Find out more information on UK and London theatre closures due to COVID-19 here. ________________ Currently, the West End remains fully open with all performances running as scheduled. The government has not yet called for the closure of UK theatres nor have they placed a ban on public gatherings and cultural events.

Q: Are people still going to UK and West End shows amid the coronavirus?

UPDATED (5 May 2020): Due to West End and UK theatre closures, people are no longer attending the theatre through June. It is possible that things will pick back up in July, but at the present time, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding when certain theatres will resume. Keep checking back on our news page for the latest information. ________________ Yes. People are still buying tickets and attending shows, including the press night of Back to the Future in Manchester. Currently, many shows have updated their pricing and many people are taking advantage of some great rates.

Q: Is it safe to go to the theatre during the coronavirus outbreak?

UPDATED (17 March 2020): According to official UK government guidance, it is no longer recommended to go to the theatre and most if not all West End and UK theatres have closed. Scotland has also banned mass gatherings for up to 4 months, just before the anticipated Edinburgh Festival. ________________ The Society of London Theatre say it’s business as usual in the West End. It is recommended that you follow current NHS guidelines on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

Q: What has The Society of London Theatres (SOLT) and UK Theatre said about the coronavirus?

UPDATED (5 May 2020): "To give our customers some clarity, we have been cancelling performances across the West End on a rolling basis, in line with the latest advice from the Government. We are now extending those cancellations until Sunday 28 June. This does not mean theatres will reopen on 29 June; if further cancellations are necessary they will continue to be announced on a rolling basis. Different theatres and productions are likely to reopen at different times." ________________ UPDATED (17 March 2020): "The safety of our audience and workforce is paramount to us as we navigate this challenging time. We, therefore, regret to announce that as of this evening all SOLT and UK Theatre member venues will close this evening (including tonight's performances) in light of the most recent official government advice. They will remain closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as possible, following government recommendations." ________________ “SOLT and UK Theatre are in contact with the government to ensure we have the most up-to-date advice, which we are sharing regularly with members (both theatres and production companies) across the country. Official advice states that there is currently no clear rationale to cancel events or postpone most international travel, and the government encourages business as usual. We will continue to monitor the situation, plan for every eventuality and share government, NHS and Public Health England guidance with the theatre industry and our audiences.”

Q: Can I get a refund on my West End theatre tickets due to coronavirus?

UPDATED (19 May 2020): We can confirm that all shows have been suspended up to the 28th of June 2020. Refunds will be actioned approximately 14 business days after your performance was supposed to take place. Please follow us on Twitter to receive any updates. Rest assured refunds will be processed in due time, but we ask for your patience and understanding.

Posted on Mar 12, 2020 | By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels (Updated on May 19, 2020)

As at the published date of this FAQ, it remains business as usual in the West End and the show must go on. Here’s what you need to know about if and how the current situation may affect your UK theatre experience.

UPDATED (19 May 2020): We can confirm that all shows have been suspended up to the 28th June 2020.

Get your West End COVID-19 questions answered here

Will West End theatres be closed due to coronavirus?

UPDATED (17 March 2020): Most of the West End and SOLT/UK theatres have now closed until further notice. Find out more information on UK and London theatre closures due to COVID-19 here.
________________

Currently, the West End remains fully open with all performances running as scheduled. The government has not yet called for the closure of UK theatres nor have they placed a ban on public gatherings and cultural events.

Are people still going to UK and West End shows amid the coronavirus?

UPDATED (5 May 2020): Due to West End and UK theatre closures, people are no longer attending the theatre through June. It is possible that things will pick back up in July, but at the present time, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding when certain theatres will resume. Keep checking back on our news page for the latest information.
________________

Yes. People are still buying tickets and attending shows, including the press night of Back to the Future in Manchester. Currently, many shows have updated their pricing and many people are taking advantage of some great rates.

Is it safe to go to the theatre during the coronavirus outbreak?

UPDATED (17 March 2020): According to official UK government guidance, it is no longer recommended to go to the theatre and most if not all West End and UK theatres have closed. Scotland has also banned mass gatherings for up to 4 months, just before the anticipated Edinburgh Festival.
________________

The Society of London Theatre say it’s business as usual in the West End. It is recommended that you follow current NHS guidelines on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

What has The Society of London Theatres (SOLT) and UK Theatre said about the coronavirus?

UPDATED (5 May 2020): "To give our customers some clarity, we have been cancelling performances across the West End on a rolling basis, in line with the latest advice from the Government. We are now extending those cancellations until Sunday 28 June. This does not mean theatres will reopen on 29 June; if further cancellations are necessary they will continue to be announced on a rolling basis. Different theatres and productions are likely to reopen at different times."

________________

UPDATED (17 March 2020): "The safety of our audience and workforce is paramount to us as we navigate this challenging time. We, therefore, regret to announce that as of this evening all SOLT and UK Theatre member venues will close this evening (including tonight's performances) in light of the most recent official government advice. They will remain closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as possible, following government recommendations."
________________

“SOLT and UK Theatre are in contact with the government to ensure we have the most up-to-date advice, which we are sharing regularly with members (both theatres and production companies) across the country. Official advice states that there is currently no clear rationale to cancel events or postpone most international travel, and the government encourages business as usual. We will continue to monitor the situation, plan for every eventuality and share government, NHS and Public Health England guidance with the theatre industry and our audiences.”

Can I get a refund on my West End theatre tickets due to coronavirus?

UPDATED (19 May 2020): We can confirm that all shows have been suspended up to the 28th of June 2020. Refunds will be actioned approximately 14 business days after your performance was supposed to take place.

Please follow us on Twitter to receive any updates.

Rest assured refunds will be processed in due time, but we ask for your patience and understanding.